Biomedical Disposal, Inc.

-New Law Brief
-Summary
-State Laws
-Recent Activity
-States Overview
-Our Position
-Principles -CALOSHA FAQ
-Federal OSHA

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Compliance Directive

On November 5, 1999 OSHA issued a revised compliance directive for bloodborne pathogens. This is the most significant action by OSHA since 1992, when the previous compliance directive was issued (a compliance directive explains how OSHA will enforce one of its regulations). Along with facilitating more rigorous enforcement of the existing standard, it requires the continual evaluation of new technologies. The November 5 directive reflects the testimony of nearly 400 healthcare facilities, workers and others gathered during 1998, as well as 7 years of enforcement and interpretations. The 263 page report, issued after 11 months’ deliberation and based on this data, stated "OSHA does not advocate the use of one particular device over another" (page 17). The press release also emphasized this point. For more information, see the summary of the House Bill 107, or review the OSHA National News Release.

Congress Urges OSHA Action on Safe Needles

In the FY 2000 appropriations bill for OSHA passed in November, Congress recognizes the importance of the safe needle issue, commends OSHA on its safe needle initiative, and "urges OSHA to ensure that the use of all FDA-approved devices which reduce the risk of needlestick injury is allowed, whether or not such safety feature is integrated into the needle or other sharp medical object". See the excerpt from the Appropriations Bill.

California Clarifies Position on Use of Advanced Technologies

In August, California's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) notified Biomedical Disposal that use of advanced technology needle destruction units was ``authorized and encouraged'' as a method of compliance to that state's bloodborne pathogen regulations, which were fully implemented on August 1. The Board made this clarification in response to concerns regarding the introduction and development of new technologies that have demonstrated the capacity to reduce the risk of needlestick injury. See the summary for a fuller explanation. California’s regulations were issued as a result of the passage of AB 1208 , in 1998.